Roy Suryo
A comprehensive survey designed to capture the multifaceted lives of Jersey’s young people will, for the first time, delve into their experiences with social media and the burgeoning world of generative artificial intelligence. The 2026 Children and Young People’s Survey, set to open its virtual doors from October 5th to October 16th, aims to provide an unparalleled, "vital insight" into the health, wellbeing, academic environment, and digital engagement of students from Year 4 (approximately 8 years old) through to Year 12 (around 16-17 years old).
This significant expansion of the survey’s scope reflects the evolving landscape of childhood and adolescence in the digital age. Statistics Jersey, the body responsible for administering the survey, has recognised the increasing prevalence and impact of online platforms on young minds. By including specific questions about social media apps, including their frequency of use, and the emerging technologies of generative AI tools, the survey intends to build a more complete and nuanced picture of the opportunities and challenges that today’s youth encounter.
The survey, a voluntary and anonymous undertaking, is designed to be accessible online, encouraging maximum participation from across the island’s educational institutions. Chief statistician Ian Cope emphasised the importance of this data, stating that it will serve as a crucial resource for the Government of Jersey, informing policy decisions and driving improvements in services tailored to the needs of children and young people. "We have worked directly with students this year to help shape the content, ensuring it reflects the issues that matter most to them," Cope explained. "New questions on social media, generative AI, caring responsibilities and food security will help build a more complete picture of the opportunities and challenges facing young people today."
Beyond the digital realm, the survey will continue to address fundamental aspects of young people’s lives. It will explore critical areas such as whether young people have caring responsibilities within their families and if they have consistent access to adequate food each day. These questions are vital for understanding the socio-economic factors that can influence a child’s development and overall wellbeing. The insights gained will be instrumental in identifying potential areas of need and ensuring that support systems are effectively deployed.
The collaborative approach taken in developing the survey’s content is a testament to Statistics Jersey’s commitment to making the process relevant and engaging for its target audience. By involving students in the design phase, officials have ensured that the questions posed accurately reflect the contemporary concerns and experiences of young islanders. This student-led input is expected to lead to a higher level of engagement and more authentic responses, ultimately yielding more valuable data.
The findings from the 2026 survey are anticipated to be a cornerstone for future strategic planning. The Government of Jersey will leverage this data to develop targeted interventions, enhance educational programmes, and strengthen social support networks. Understanding the specific pressures and influences, both online and offline, that Jersey’s children face will empower policymakers to create a more supportive and nurturing environment for their growth and development.
A key aspect of the survey’s dissemination strategy includes a commitment to making the findings accessible to a wide audience. The final report is scheduled for publication in the Spring of 2027. Crucially, this will be accompanied by a child-friendly version, making the complex statistical data understandable and engaging for the young people themselves, as well as for their schools and communities. This initiative underscores the importance of empowering young people with knowledge about their own experiences and the broader societal trends that affect them.
The success of previous iterations of the survey provides a strong foundation for the upcoming data collection. The 2024 survey, for instance, demonstrated robust participation rates, indicating a willingness among students and schools to contribute to this important initiative. Statistics Jersey reported that response rates for Years 4 and 8 were an impressive 87%, followed by 84% for Years 6 and 10, and 78% for Year 12. In total, 4,360 children participated in the 2024 survey, a figure that Statistics Jersey will be aiming to meet or exceed with the expanded 2026 survey. This high level of engagement highlights the recognised value of the survey within the Jersey community.
The inclusion of social media and generative AI in the 2026 survey is a forward-thinking step that acknowledges the profound impact these technologies have on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. Understanding how young people navigate online spaces, the potential risks they may encounter, and the ways in which they utilise these tools for learning and connection is paramount. This data will be invaluable in developing digital literacy programmes, safeguarding measures, and educational strategies that are aligned with the realities of the 21st century.
Furthermore, the exploration of generative AI tools is particularly timely. As these technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, their influence on education, creativity, and information consumption is rapidly growing. By asking about their use of such tools, the survey aims to understand how Jersey’s youth are engaging with these new frontiers of technology, providing insights that can inform educational approaches and ethical guidelines.
The broader implications of the survey extend beyond immediate policy adjustments. The data collected will contribute to longitudinal studies, allowing researchers to track trends in children’s wellbeing and development over time. This historical perspective is essential for understanding the long-term effects of societal changes, technological advancements, and policy interventions on younger generations. The commitment to releasing a child-friendly report further emphasizes the survey’s role in fostering civic engagement and promoting a greater understanding of societal issues among young people themselves.
In conclusion, the 2026 Children and Young People’s Survey represents a significant evolution in how Jersey gathers information about its youth. By incorporating vital new areas of inquiry, such as social media and generative AI, alongside established measures of health and wellbeing, the survey is poised to deliver an unprecedented depth of understanding. This enriched data will be instrumental in shaping a brighter, more supportive future for all of Jersey’s children and young people.
George Anjay
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atisusanti